I sway on my feet as he works his way down my teal, long-sleeved button-up. Regardless that it’s one hundred degrees in Charlotte and the humidity is stifling, I never wear short sleeves. It’s something I’ve learned to live with.
Ty’s breathing picks up as he separates my shirt. A cool waft of air from the air conditioning makes my nipples harden under the lace material of my bra. And just as he goes to push the material from my shoulders, I stop him.
“Don’t,” I chicken out.
“Simone, open your eyes,” Ty beckons. I lift my lids slowly and meet his big, beautiful green gaze.
“Nothing under that shirt is going to make me want you any less than how much I want you now.” He takes my hand and presses it between his legs. He’s hard. Really fucking hard, and suddenly I’m really fucking horny. I haven’t been with a man in years, and despite being completely mortified about the orgasm that spontaneously combusted from a little bit of dry humping outside my hotel room door, I want Ty so badly I would crawl over a pile of broken glass to be with him. “Please, trust me, Simone.” He sounds so genuine. Desperate, almost. I want to, I really do.
After his heartfelt plea, Ty does something unexpected. He begins to pull off his own clothes. Piece by piece. He loosens his tie and drags it over his head. Swiftly he unbuttons his dress shirt and discards it on the floor. Then he unbuckles his belt and drops his pants. Underwear and all. Before I know it, he’s stark naked, and I’m drooling.
Oh, I think I’m totally fucked.
“Your turn.” He reaches for my shirt, and I hold my breath, but I don’t stop him. Moment of truth. Do or die. My eyes remain focused on his face because I want to dissect every expression. I’m close to crying again, but I don’t. I hold it together as he scans my imperfect body. The hideous scars run from my right shoulder all the way down my arm, over my whole side and around to my back. My skin looks like rotting cheese, made worse by the “grater” used for the grafts. At least, that’s how I see it. Ty is silent for a long time as he investigates every inch of my upper body. I feel like I’m under a spotlight. And just as I’m about to look away and cower in shame, Ty smirks arrogantly.
“The best parts were spared.” He reaches up and massages both of my breasts. I don't know how to react so I just sort of choke.
“You don’t think I’m disgusting?” I ask, my voice small, insecure.
“What do you think?” He glances down at his indomitable erection.
I don’t know what to say or think. I’m in uncharted waters and so badly want to take the plunge.
With a deep, steely breath, I unbutton my skinny jeans and drop them to the floor, leaving just the black, lacy underwear on my body.
“I want the X-rated version.” Ty slips a finger into my underwear.
“Do the honors then.” I bravely answer.
His handsome face lights up. He looks like a kid in a candy store. “I have been waiting for this for so long. Too long.” Ty reaches around my back, and, with a swift flick, unhooks my bra. I pull it off and send it to the floor with the rest of our clothes.
“Please, tell me you’re on the pill. Please, please, please.” He hooks his fingers into the strings of my bikini underwear.
“Yes, I’m on the pill,” I tell him what he is so desperate to hear.
“Thank God.” He looks to the sky. “Are you incredibly fond of these?” He snaps the elastic.
“I like them.”
“But not love?”
I shrug, and he rips.
“Oh!” I jump.
“Bye.” He drops the shredded panties.
“Bye.” I glance down at them.
“Hello.” Ty clutches my face and kisses me, no warning, no choice. I melt against him, letting the heat of his bare skin warm my own. I try to let go, try to forget all my insecurities and just get lost in Ty.
“I think you’re beautiful.” He sucks on my bottom lip and eats away at my mouth. “And what I think is the only thing that matters.” I don’t respond, just continue to kiss him back. If I think too much, I’ll get lost in my own head. And that’s one thing I don’t want to do. I just want to be with Ty. I want to lose myself in him, not my hang-ups.
“Lie on the bed.” He gestures with his head. I start to walk backwards, but he doesn’t follow.
“Aren’t you coming?”
He smirks deviously. “Many times. But I want to look at you first. I want to watch you.”
